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    Video: The Shocking Differences under the 2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86

    Fundamentally, the 2022 Subaru BRZ and the 2022 Toyota GR86 are the same car. The two have the same engine and body structure. It can even be tricky to tell them apart at a distance. Drive the two at speed, as we did for the most recent Lightning Lap at Virginia International Raceway, and you’d be too consumed by fun to notice any differences in handling.But on the road, these two sports coupes don’t drive the same way, and that difference interested our resident suspension expert (and former engineer) Dan Edmunds. He drove both cars over the same twisty canyon two-way and then crawled underneath to try and find the changes. Beyond the usual tuning differences (shocks, springs rates, and anti-roll bars), the BRZ and GR86 diverge in more ways than we expected. For example, the BRZ not only uses a hollow front anti-roll bar but it also has a lighter aluminum front knuckle, indicating that Subaru was willing to spend extra money to save weight.

    At the rear, we found two entirely different rear anti-roll-bar mounting points, meaning different subframe designs for the Subaru and the Toyota. This means more complexity and cost in the assembly process, even if the two cars are built on the same assembly line as the Subaru WRX and Crosstrek. It might also speak to how firmly Subaru and Toyota believe in their respective suspension design philosophies.

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    VW Reveals Amarok Pickup, a Small Gem That's Not U.S. Bound

    The global debut of the VW Amarok reveals a mid-size pickup closely related to the next-gen Ford Ranger.It’s not destined for the U.S., with most sales expected in Australia, Europe, and Africa.It will offer a range of diesel engines including a V-6, plus a 298-hp gasoline turbo.The thinking behind automotive product strategies often seems like a mystery to those on the outside looking in, and we’ve certainly never understood why Volkswagen chose not to bring the Amarok pickup to the market that buys more pickups than anywhere else in the world—the U.S.

    Now Volkswagen is revealing a new second-generation Amarok, one that also seems set to be denied to us, despite the fact it shares its underpinnings with the Ford Ranger and was developed alongside it by teams working in Germany and Australia. The finished truck is set to be produced in South Africa, with Volkswagen saying it will be sold “in Australia and New Zealand, numerous countries of Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.” You’ll notice that no part of the Americas is on that list, despite the previous version having been offered in some Central American and South American markets.

    Volkswagen

    So what are we missing out on? Although larger than its predecessor, the new Amarok would be regarded as a mid-size pickup if it were to reach the U.S. Overall length of 210.6 inches is 3.8 inches longer than the old Amarok but 0.8 inch shorter than the 2023 Ford Ranger. The new truck’s 128.7-inch wheelbase is, unsurprisingly, identical to that of the Ford. Both single- and double-cab versions will be offered, with the two-door having a cargo bed 90.7 inches long and the four-door having a 60.8-inch bed. Maximum width between wheel arches is 47.5 inches. Volkswagen says it will be able to carry up to 2550 pounds, depending on specification, and to tow up to 7700 pounds.It should be pretty decent off-road, too. Shortened overhangs compared to the old Amarok have improved its ability to tackle a modest level of wilderness, with a 29-degree approach angle, 21-degree departure angle, and 21 degree ramp-over angle. Volkswagen also says it can safely pass through up to 31.5 inches of water—the same figure claim Ford makes for the next Ranger.Powertrain Choices Mainly DieselVolkswagen is planning to offer a multitude of powertrain options. A basic rear-wheel-drive version combining a 147-hp 2.0-liter diesel engine and a five-speed manual gearbox will be offered in certain African markets, with a more powerful 167-hp version of the same engine being sold elsewhere with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, together with either rear-wheel drive or selectable four-wheel drive. Beyond that, a twin-turbocharged diesel will make 200 horsepower and drive though what Volkswagen says is a permanent all-wheel-drive system—although with the ability to disconnect drive to the front for improved economy—while working with either the six-speed auto or a 10-speed auto that is the Ford/GM gearbox. In other countries a slightly more powerful 203-hp version of this engine will get selectable four-wheel drive and the 10-speed gearbox.Beyond this, Volkswagen will continue to offer the option of its long-serving 3.0-liter V-6 diesel. That’s a developed version of the one fitted to the previous-generation Amarok we drove in Europe in 2018. This makes 246 hp and 440 pound-feet of torque and gets the 10-speed auto and AWD as standard. Volkswagen will also offer a gasoline engine in some markets, although non-diesel pickups are still a rarity in Europe. It’s seemingly Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making 298 hp and 333 pound-feet, and again shipping with the 10-speed and permanent AWD.

    Volkswagen

    Volkswagen will sell the Amarok in a wide variety of grades reflecting its use as both a utility and a lifestyle truck. Even the most basic versions will have digital instruments, a 10-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control. At the top of the range, the much plusher PanAmericana and Aventura will add such luxuries as a bigger 12-inch display screen, Harman/Kardon audio systems, soft-touch cabin materials (described as “leather look” rather than leather), and even 21-inch alloy wheels.While the Ranger and Amarok have many shared components, including column stalks, the autobox gear selector, and various bits of minor switchgear, there are substantive changes, too, such as different dashboards. The Amarok follows the example of other recent Volkswagens by having temperature and climate control through its touchscreen; the Ranger keeps physical function buttons.Why will we be denied it? Beyond the difficulty faced by automakers outside the big three selling trucks in the U.S., pricing seems to be the big issue: the previous Amarok started at the equivalent of over $40,000 in Europe. Yet the fact the closely related fifth-generation Ford Ranger is set to be sold here does leave the door open. We still love the idea of a Volkswagen Truck.
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    Aprilia SR Max 250cc Scooter Launch Price 26,800 Yuan (Rs 3.15 L)

    With a more powerful motor, SR Max250 HPE (High Performance Edition) delivers improved performance as compared to standard SR Max250 maxi scooterAprilia SR Max 250cc ScooterAiming to provide a more compelling, sportier maxi-scooter to enthusiasts, Aprilia has launched SR Max250 HPE in China. While the core silhouette is the same as the standard model, SR Max250 HPE gets glossier finish and improved overall visual texture. It also gets a new grey-red colour theme.Graphics and decals have been updated for a sportier look and feel. Features that are the same as the standard model include sculpted front fascia, dual LED headlamps, a large adjustable windscreen, trendy rear view mirrors and upswept exhaust.Aprilia SR Max 250cc Scooter SpecsBiggest difference between SR Max250 HPE and the standard model is the new high-performance 244cc motor that generates 25.6 hp of max power at 8,200 rpm and 22.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,250 rpm. The older model churns out 21 hp and 21 Nm. It’s a significant boost, which is likely to deliver tangible improvements in performance. SR Max250 HPE has two ride modes of Eco and Sport, which can be activated via dedicated buttons on handlebar.In Indian market, a comparable product could be Keeway Vieste 300 that was launched earlier this year in May. Vieste 300 has a 278.2 cc motor that makes 18.7 hp at 6,500 rpm and 22 Nm at 6,000 rpm. Clearly, Aprilia SR Max250 HPE is better equipped even with a small displacement motor. However, Keeway shouldn’t be worried, as Aprilia SR Max250 HPE is unlikely to be launched here anytime soon. Priced at Rs 2.99 lakh, Keeway Vieste 300 does have the price advantage.Aprilia SR Max 250cc ScooterUsers can expect optimal ride comfort with Aprilia SR Max250 HPE, as the scooter has wide, pulled back handlebar and comfy seats with thick foam padding. Rider seat section comes with raised back support for extra comfort. For the pillion, the scooter has retractable foot rests and thick grab rails.Aprilia SR Max250 HPE featuresAs compared to the older model that has seat height of 785/815 mm, SR Max250 HPE offers 775/815 mm seat height options. The 775 mm seat height variant will make handling more convenient for shorter riders. It can also work for learners and female users. The reduction in seat height has been achieved by using 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheel. The 815 mm seat height version utilizes 15-inch front and 14-inch rear wheel.Suspension system comprises 35mm front fork and dual rear shock absorbers with preload adjustability. Braking duties are performed by 260 mm front and 240 mm rear disc brakes. Dual-channel Bosch ABS is offered as standard. Safety kit includes ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) that can automatically detect rear wheel slips and adjust engine output accordingly.Other key features of Aprilia SR Max250 HPE include a 7-inch TFT LCD instrument console. It displays a range of information such as temperature, average speed, maximum speed and fuel consumption. It has Bluetooth connectivity for smartphone pairing.Source More

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    Hero Prices July 2022 – Splendor, Passion, Glamour, Maestro, Destini, Xpulse

    Hero MotoCorp has increased prices of both its motorcycle range and scooter range in July 2022 – Here are new vs old prices2022 Hero Passion XTECHero MotoCorp has been the number one motorcycle manufacturer in India. They are like the Maruti Suzuki of motorcycles. Hero MotoCorp is primarily associated with budget commuters and then comes the performance motorcycles. But somehow, Xtreme 160R has clocked an impressive 2175.94% YoY growth in June 2022 over June 2021.But as input prices keep on rising, manufacturers tend to take some load off of them and place it on customers. Hero has increased prices across its range and some models are affected more and some, not so much. We’ll take a look at what’s what.Hero Motorcycle Prices July 2022At the top of Hero MotoCorp sales charts are their budget commuters while performance-oriented motorcycles like XPulse 200 series and Xtreme 160R are at the lower end of the sales charts. But they’re no slouch, it’s just that the sales magnitude of budget commuters in India completely overshadows the rest of the lineup.In this latest Hero MotoCorp price hike, their cheapest motorcycles are the ones to get the highest hike. Hero HF 100 and HF Deluxe are their most affordable motorcycles. Hero HF 100 gets a 7.7% hike amounting to Rs. 4,000 and HF Deluxe gets a 6.81% hike amounting to Rs. 3,820. Now, HF 100 costs Rs. 55,450 and HF Deluxe costs Rs. 59,890 (ex-sh, Delhi).Hero Motorcycle Prices July 2022 – New vs OldPricier bikes belonging to XPulse series have been hiked by Rs. 3,628 and Xtreme 160R by around Rs. 2,800. Glamour range of motorcycles have received around Rs. 1,200 hike and now cost between Rs 77,600 to Rs 88,820. Coming to Hero Splendor range, they received Rs. 1,028 hike in July 2022. Latest prices of Splendor ranges from Rs 70,408 to Rs 71,728 while Super Splendor is priced from Rs 77,200.Hero Passion Pro series got Rs. 1,500 hike, and now ranges from Rs 72,320 to Rs 77,120. In terms of motorcycles, HF 100 and HF Deluxe received the highest hike and Splendor series get the lowest.Hero Scooter Prices July 2022Coming to the Hero MotoCorp scooter prices in July 2022, Pleasure+ XTEC variants got the highest hike of Rs. 1,630 and Destini 125 STD only received a hike of Rs. 300. Other Destini 125 variants got Rs. 1,300 price hike and Maestro 125 got a price hike of Rs. 1,428.Hero MotoCorp Scooters Price List July 2022- New vs OldInterestingly, there is no price hike on the Maestro 110 ZX Drum variant. It is the only model that didn’t get any price hike for July 2022. It continues to be on sale for the same price as last month, that is Rs 66,820. All prices above are ex-sh, Delhi. More

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    Royal Enfield Classic 350 Divine – Modified By Neev Motorcycles

    Neev Motorcycles is a custom bike building company that works mostly on classic bikesRoyal Enfield Classic 350 DivineMost Indians have a soft spot for Royal Enfield motorcycles. Even though you may not want to own one, you definitely adore the way it looks. The brand evokes enough nostalgia in you that compels you to maybe want to own one someday. Royal Enfield is one of those things that you can’t really hate. Finding faults, sure. It has tons. But hate, Nah. I would pass and I know you would too.Royal Enfield has stood the test of time and is winning hearts across the globe. Royal Enfield has been eager to add value to their customers in terms of their RSA services that can be summoned through the Royal Enfield App too.As pretty as Royal Enfield bikes are, they can be worked on and made even prettier. One of the ways to achieve it is through custom motorcycles where truly bespoke machines can be filled with character and individuality. One such custom motorcycle is built by passionate custom bike builder Neev Motorcycles.Royal Enfield Classic 350 DivineRoyal Enfield approached Neev Motorcycles to build them a custom motorcycle based on a Classic 350. Neev had a different vision than what Royal Enfield was trying to achieve right out of the factory. Neev wanted it to be very shouty and attention-grabbing but in a classy and elegant way. And they have struck gold at the balance between the two.Royal Enfield Classic 350 DivineNeev went with a bobber-styled machine instead of a cruiser that the Classic 350 is. It had to have a custom swingarm to extend the wheelbase for the low-slung bobber look. They also incorporated balloon tyres on 16” spoked wheels with a ribbed tyre pattern instead of a cross pattern. It would have looked better with white-walled tyres but it certainly does look good without it too. To fit the bigger wheels, Neev also put a custom mudguard on it too.Royal Enfield Classic 350 DivineHardest part of this custom job according to Neev is the fuel tank. As it was hand crafted to perfection with swooping curves and interesting patterns. The whole motorcycle gets a matte black finish and cherry on top, is polished brass fittings across the bike which lends it a royal look.Royal Enfield Classic 350 DivineHandlebar holders, custom RE logo on fuel tank, handlebar grips, footpegs, side panels, sissy bar at the back, fuel filler caps and even the exhaust tip is made by intricately machining and detailing solid brass and polishing it to the max.Gold DetailingBrass radiates yellow light mimicking gold. But Neev wasn’t satisfied with just brass. They used real gold leaves to detail the patterns and pinstripes on the fuel tank. It also gets a custom stitched leather seat cover with custom seats. The headlights are now LEDs and on the road, it is sure to turn a ton of heads.Royal Enfield Classic 350 DivineThis custom project was done by Neev Motorcycles under Custom World initiative from Royal Enfield where popular bike modders like Neev Motorcycles, Rajputana Customs and the likes were asked to build and showcase a custom Classic 350. Divine is Neev Motorcycle’s initiative towards this initiative. More

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    Two Wheeler Retail Sales June 2022 – Hero, Honda, Yamaha, RE, Jawa, Yezdi

    Two wheeler retail sales increased 20.33 percent YoY with Hero MotoCorp and Honda in the lead by a significant marginModified RE 650 by Neev MotorcyclesIn the earlier post, we discussed the two wheelers wholesales. Now, retail sales have been released. Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released Vehicle Retail Data for June 2022. Sales have ended on a positive note when compared to sales in June 2021 with every segment posting increase in demand.Two wheeler retail sales stood at 11,19,096 units, up 20.23 percent from 9,30,825 units sold in June 2021. It was also a 40.62 percent increase over sales of 7,95,834 units sold in June 2020 while demand dipped 16.37 percent when compared to 13,38,154 unit retail sales in June 2019. Even as every two wheeler maker, with the exception of Hero MotoCorp and Bajaj Auto, have posted a YoY sales growth, it can be seen from the attached table that electric two wheeler makers have seen a higher percentage of growth.Two Wheeler Retail Sales June 2022Hero MotoCorp led the sales chart in June 2022 with retail sales of 3,83,165 units, down from 4,15,395 units sold in June 2021. Market share dipped from 44.63 percent to 34.24 percent on a YoY basis. It was the company’s products such as the Glamour, Splendor, Passion and HF Deluxe motorcycles that drew in added sales. In June 2022, the company also introduced the new Passion XTec. It is presented in two variants of drum brake priced at Rs. 74,590 and disc variant priced at Rs. 78,990 (ex-showroom, Delhi).At No. 2 was Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) with retail sales at 2,85,691 units in June 2022, up from 1,96,785 units sold in June 2021. The company also noted an increase in market share to 25.53 percent from 21.14 percent YoY. TVS Motor retail sales increased to 1,66,412 units in the past month, up from 1,19,999 units sold in June 2022. Market share increased from 12.89 percent to 14.87 percent YoY. The company is also set to introduce its new bike and leaked photos suggested that it will be named Ronin.Two Wheeler Retail Sales June 2022 vs June 2021 (YoY)Bajaj Auto sales dipped to 1,00,094 units in June 2022 from 1,07,055 units sold in June 2021. The company’s market share also fell to 8.94 percent from 11.50 percent held in the same month of last year. Bajaj Auto recently inaugurated Chetak Technology’s new manufacturing facility at Akurdi from where they will be rolling out their electric two wheelers expanding the Chetak EV portfolio.Retail sales of Suzuki 2W increased twofold YoY, selling more two-wheelers in the domestic market than Royal Enfield and Yamaha Motor India. Retail sales stood at 50,099 units, up from 25,170 units sold in June 2021. Market share also doubled to 4.48 percent from 2.70 percent held in June 2021. Yamaha and Royal Enfield sales stood at 44,475 units and 42,813 units respectively in June 2022, up from 22,409 units and 36,156 units sold in June 2021. Both the automakers have seen an increase in market share as well.Electric Two Wheeler Sales June 2022Coming to the electric two wheeler makers in the country, sales of Okinawa Autotech increased from 959 units sold in June 2021 to 6,980 units in the past month. Market share increased to 0.62 percent from 0.10 percent. Okinawa has also announced a mega factory in the state of Rajasthan and plan investment of Rs 1200-1,500 crore in electric two-wheelers over next two year.Two Wheeler Retail Sales June 2022 vs May 2022 (MoM)Ampere Vehicles retail sales were at 6,540 units in June 2022 up from 268 units sold in June 2021. Ampere Electric, also experienced roll-out of its 50,000th electric scooter from its Ranipet facility in Tamil Nadu. This is particularly notable as this milestone comes just 7 months following the facility commencing operations at the end of 2021.Hero Electric sales were at 6,503 units in the past month from 1,200 units sold in June 2021 bringing up market share to 0.58 percent from 0.13 percent YoY. There was also Ola Electric (5,874 units), Ather Energy (3,808 units), Piaggio (3,553 units) and Classic Legends (3,294 units) on this list while Revolt and PUR Energy saw June 2022 retail sales at 2,423 units and 1,125 units respectively. There were others on the list that contributed 6,247 units to total retail sales in June 2022 from 1,115 units retailed in June 2021. More

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    TVS Ronin Colours Detailed In First Look Walkaround – Exhaust Note

    TVS promises a unique approach to motorcycling with Ronin that breaks genre-specific stereotypesNew TVS Ronin Walkaround – Exhaust NoteAll the speculations that were spinning around the names are stomped by TVS and revealed that it is in fact, the Ronin. TVS’ new Scrambler-styled Ronin aims to break motorcycle genre stereotypes and is a culmination of multiple segments bringing a certain uniqueness to the table. This is everything you need to know about the TVS Ronin.TVS Ronin comes with SS, DS and TD variants. SS is priced at Rs. 1,49,000 and gets Lightning Black and Magnum Red colours. DS is priced at Rs. 1,56,500 and gets Delta Blue and Stargaze Black colours. The top-spec TD comes with Galactic Grey priced at Rs. 1,68,750 and Dawn Orange priced at Rs. 1,70,750. All-prices ex-sh.TVS Ronin Walkaround – Exhaust NoteRonin offers an upright posture that is comfortable on any terrain. It also gets adjustable brake and clutch levers to further aid comfort. It is an all-new double-cradle chassis. Promises to be most stable on the highway in the segment. It gets 41mm USD big-piston Showa forks at front that are tuned for comfort and dynamics.Rear suspension is taken care of by a gas-charged mono-shock unit. The wheelbase is shorter to make it planted and also responsive to tips and turns. The kerb weight is 160 kg and the ground clearance at 181mm assures good cornering clearance too. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video below by Dino’s Vault, which also reveals the exhaust note of TVS Ronin.[embedded content][embedded content]Ronin gets a TVS Remora AT tyre with block patterns. It gets 17” alloy wheels wrapped with 110/70 rubber at front and 130/70 rubber at the rear. TVS has equipped the Ronin with ride modes too. It gets Rain and Urban modes which intervenes when slippage is detected to ensure maximum traction. It gets a 300mm disc at front and a 240mm disc at the rear. SS and DS variants get single-channel ABS and TD variant gets dual-channel ABS.Ronin also gets a sophisticated LED headlight setup promising good throw and intensity. Tail lights and turn indicators also get LED treatment. It gets a circular mono-pod fully-digital instrument cluster that is offset to the left which gets DTE, SmartXonnect connected-tech, notifications and alerts, turn-by-turn navigation and voice assistant too.TVS Ronin – EngineTVS Ronin is powered by an all-new 225.9cc, oil-cooled engine. This engine generates 20.4 PS of power at 7750 RPM and 20 Nm of torque at 3750 RPM and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It gets a first-in-segment starter/generator which allows for instant and silent starts.TVS Ronin SpecsThe engine promises very strong low and mid-range torque. It also boasts a unique flat torque curve, which TVS promises is as flat as it gets. It is coupled with a slip and assist clutch ensuring smooth shifts and light clutch lever operation aiding rider comfort.TVS also stressed how refined the new engine is, which highly enhances comfort. The main highlight of this engine is low-end torque promising low-speed ambling around in the city in 3rd or even 4th gear. This new engine is also tuned to be friendly with gradients too. TVS says that extensive R&D has been done to tweak the sound, promising a unique exhaust tone that is unlike any other TVS. More

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    1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari Is Our Bring a Trailer Pick of the Day

    This 1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari is up for sale on the Bring a Trailer auction site, with bidding currently at $17,000 with five days left on the auction.This Safari can seat nine people and features a 6.4-liter V-8 driving the rear wheels through a four-speed Hydra-matic automatic transmission.The Copper Metallic paint job combines with the oodles of chrome trim and white wall tires to create a beautiful flashback to a bygone era of automative design. I grew up in the back seat of a station wagon, traversing national parks on monthlong cross-country treks, hauling catcher’s gear to travel baseball games in the spacious trunk, and learning to drive the nimble longroof on the chaotic streets of New York. But while I loved my parents’ 2003 Volkswagen Passat, it can’t measure up to the decadent style of this 1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer—which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos.

    Bring a Trailer

    The Catalina name first appeared in 1950 and became a standalone model line in 1959. It received a slight refresh the following year, trading a split-grille design for the cleaner, one-piece look seen here and toning down the rear fins after the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz took that design trend to the extreme. Safari was the moniker given to Pontiac’s station wagons at the time, and this example was fitted with nine seats thanks to a first-row bench and a rear-facing third row. Along with being capacious, this Safari is a stunning vehicle, with handsome, horizontal character lines stretching the length of the car, a wrap-around windshield providing an airy cabin, and plenty of brightwork to accentuate the Catalina’s distinguished appearance.

    Bring a Trailer

    This Catalina Safari is painted in a pleasing Copper Metallic hue, with the interior decked out in a Fawn vinyl upholstery. This example is fitted with luxuries (for the time) like dual sideview mirrors, a power rear window, power-assisted steering and brakes, and a “Super Deluxe” AM radio. The interior also includes contrasting brown carpeting, a heater, and the latest in safety equipment: lap seatbelts.

    Power comes from a 6.4-liter (389 cubic inch) V-8 engine and is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The listing does not specify which version of the 389 V-8 this vehicle comes with, but on this generation of Catalina, the V-8 could make anywhere between 215 and 345 horsepower. The Safari rides on 14-inch steel wheels with chrome covers, shod in period-appropriate American Classic whitewall tires. The listing notes a few chips and scratches, but you can’t expect a 62-year-old car to be pristine. The five-digit odometer reads 12,000 miles, although the true mileage is lost to time. Regardless, this 1960 Pontiac Catalina Safari is a beautiful vehicle and makes us long for the days when station wagons were the choice of family car instead of the now ubiquitous crossover. Bidding currently sits at $17,000, and the auction ends on Monday, July 11.

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